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“To create the most enjoyable downtown experience worldwide,” goes the vision statement of the Downtown Rangers. While that’s kind of an uphill battle—as a friend recently said, it’s fairly likely you’ll have a more enjoyable experience in downtown Paris, on account of the fact that it’s Paris—there’s no denying that the Rangers have made Fremont East more enjoyable. Whether they’re helping tourists find “that Pawn Stars place,” feeding our overdue parking meters or simply keeping a watchful eye on the street, the Rangers are helping to transform our urban core into its own City of Lights. And don’t forget: If a Ranger can’t recite the above vision statement to you verbatim, they have to buy you lunch. So far, we haven’t collected.

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The tastemaker and nightlife impresario is a partner of Tao Group, a leading restaurant and nightlife company that develops, owns and operates numerous high-profile food and beverage facilities nationwide, including Tao, Lavo and Marquee. Along with his partners, Strauss was named Hospitality Operator of the Year by Nightclub & Bar in 2006, and their work with Marquee has been profiled as a case study by Harvard Business School.

Get to know the Life Is Beautiful acts. Learn about Downtown's new kaleidoscopic murals. Find tips on how to navigate schedule conflicts. And see what's on the mouthwatering menu. Here is Vegas Seven's guide to tasting, seeing and hearing all the festival has to offer, from the first afternoon set to the final headliner.